Marian Edith (Bowles) Bowers

Marian Edith (Bowles) Bowers passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at The Forum at the Crossing Senior Living Center in Indianapolis, IN. She was born on December 8, 1925, in South Bend, IN to the late Herman Delbert Bowles and Edith Effie (Berry) Bowles. She graduated from John Adams High School and worked as a bookkeeper. On December 22, 1946, she married the late James (Jim) Mattern Bowers, O.D. They were married 69 years. She worked alongside her husband as receptionist and office manager for Dr. Bowers’ South Bend optometric practice for 47 years. Her friendly personality was noted by appreciative patients and her stylish mark on the practice was evident through the wide array of fashionable frames she stocked for patient selection.

Marian is survived by her daughters, Sarah Edith Bowers of Indianapolis, IN, and Sally Ann Berglund (Brian Winston Berglund) of Denver, CO; three grandchildren, Stephanie Nentrup, Craig Nentrup, and Jamie (Berglund) Siebrase; nine great-grandchildren, Eric, Emily, Alex and Parker Guy, Gemma and Hadley Nentrup, and Jon, Brian and Louise Siebrase; and one great-great-grandson, Layne Guy.

She outlived her sisters, Garnet (Bowles) Frederick and Ruby (Bowles) Kendall; and brother, Delbert Bowles, her nephews, Robert Frederick and Jerry Kendall; and niece, Margaret Kendall. She is survived by her niece, Vivian (Bowles) Luebben; and nephew, Daniel Bowles.

Her greatest joy was her family. She was a cheerful, fun-loving person, and willingly gave freely of her time to help others. She left a legacy of love and faith in God. She was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of South Bend, IN.

A few of her favorite things were traveling, especially at majestic National Parks, entertaining family, and friends, and attending concerts and plays. She cherished and honored her Scotch Irish heritage. Marian did everything in a strong and determined way, shaped by her childhood during The Great Depression and as a teenager during WWII. In retirement she enjoyed the winters she spent with her husband Jim in Gulf Shores, AL.

Special thanks to the staff at The Forum at The Crossing and Paradigm Health.

A Celebration of her Life will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Cumberland First Baptist Church, 116 S. Muessing St., Cumberland IN 46229. Visitation will begin at 10 am with a Memorial Service at 11 am., followed by a reception.

The service will be available on Zoom. Contact Sarah Bowers, sbowers1647@aol.com for Zoom instructions (prior to July 8 if possible). Memorial donations to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church , 805 S. 29th Street, South Bend, IN 46615, 574-288-8288.  Marian requested that her ashes be scattered in Lake Michigan near New Buffalo, MI and at Gulf Shores, AL.

Arrangements through Aaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary, 11411 North Michigan Road, Zionsville, IN 46077 Phone: 317.873.4776.  www.arnmortuary.com